Possibly the most iconic image there is for Moscow or Russia itself.
This unique building is supposedly shaped like the flame of a bonfire rising into the sky. The fabric of the building has suffered badly over the centuries and what we see now is the result of restoration works which finished in 2008.
This statue by the entrance of the Cathedral has nothing to do with it. Originally it stood in the centre of Red Square. However, after the 1917 Revolution, the Communist authorities found the monument was obstructing parades on the square and so was moved to its present position. It shows two generals credited with saving the city from Polish invasion in the 17th century.
Even though a lot of the interior is not original, it still has the power to recreate an intense religious, Russian Orthodox atmosphere.
Periodically this quartet sing traditional Russian hymns inside St Basil's. I have a short clip here.
St. Basil's Cathedral has its own charming website.
